Do programmable thermostats save money and how does this involve bacon wrapped hot dogs?
The bacon wrapped hot dogs will make some sense by the end of the post.
Some sense. OK, not much.
OK, I just love that picture.
Anyway, I love how this has evolved into the “Should I … ” series of posts. And this one is essentially “Should I install a programmable thermostat?” Do programmable thermostats save money and energy? The answer is an unequivocal yes, a properly installed and programmed thermostat has some of the best payback and return on investment of any household project. But, aye, properly operated…there’s the rub.
Do Programmable Thermostats Save Money? Yes, But…
The question must then be asked why do doubts about their effectiveness persist? There’s no question they work … it’s as simple an equation as exists: if you turn down the thermostat temperature, your heating system will produce less heat.
Energy Myth!
The Giant Thermostat Myth: The myth is that if you keep the temperature stable, you’ll save money. A huge misconception about about thermostats is that keeping a stable temp somehow avoids inefficient cycling of the heating system. The thinking is like that of a car’s cruise control. Stable running allows better efficiency. Makes so much sense.
You can see how this may prey on uncertainty about programmables. If normal fluctuating is bad, computer monitored fluctuatings is Terminator bad. However, this is not true. Turning the thermostat down when you’re away from home or asleep saves money. Would you leave your car idling overnight to save gas? Or would you leave a pot of water boiling to cook dinner to save money. Of course not.
End of Warning: Energy Myth!
Do Programmable Thermostats Save Money…They Work, Kinda
That’s great news! Programmable thermostats really work! Uhh, hold your oversized ponies. There’s no question that setting the temperature and running your heating system and/or air conditioner less will save energy and money. But it turns out that study after study after study (this link summarizes a few different studies) has shown that programmables alone do not save money. User behavior like in many things determines results, in this case homeowners predisposed toward savings will save.
40 years ago restaurants offered steak and potatoes. That’s it. If you wanted to eat healthy, it was salad time. Today you can’t throw a stick without hitting a pleasant variety of healthy low cal entrees. So … healthful food options means healthier people, right? Uh, no. Rates of obesity and diabetes are at all time highs. All the possibilities of improving your diet doesn’t matter if you order a deep fried bacon wrapped hot dog with lard vinaigrette. The same logic applies to thermostats.
Do Programmable Thermostats Save Money – Setting Temps
Studies have shown that homeowners can save money with programmables, but often don’t. People will set temps higher overnight, not use it or crank the settings thinking they need to compensate for outdoor temperatures. Some folks will turn the thermostat off during the day and turn it up at night and actually increase energy use.
What to do, assuming your goal is to save some dough? During the winter, programmable thermostats should be set to around 68 F, set back 10 degrees during the night and while at work. During the summer if you have an A/C, set the thermostat to around 78 F and take advantage of ceiling fans, natural shade and cooling.
So…Do programmable thermostats save money? Absolutely but like with any tool they need to be used correctly.
